New Zealand Longfin Eel

The New Zealand longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) is a species of freshwater eel that is endemic to New Zealand. It is the largest freshwater eel in New Zealand and the only endemic species – the other eels found in New Zealand are the native shortfin eel (Anguilla australis), also found in Australia, and the naturally introduced Australian longfin eel (Anguilla reinhardtii). Longfin eels are long-lived, migrating to an unknown site in the tropical Pacific Ocean to breed at the end of their lives. They are good climbers as juveniles and so are found in streams and lakes a long way inland.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of New Zealand Longfin Eel being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Anguilla mossambica
• Anguilla australis
• Anguilla reinhardtii
• Anguilla marmorata
• Silurus asotus

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Actinopterygii

Order

Anguilliformes

Family

Anguillidae

Genus

Anguilla

Species

Anguilla dieffenbachii

More species